Natural Resource Project Development Protocol
Office of the Wet’suwet’en, Natural Resources is mandated by the hereditary clan leaders to assert the title, rights and interests of the clans with respect to the sale, use and development of natural resources on 22,000 kms2 of traditional clan territories.
In 2009, Wet’suwet’en hereditary clan leaders invoked a protocol for all private sector proponents proposing projects on Wet’suwet’en territories.
The Protocol requires all proponents of natural resource development projects on these territories to:
contact the Office of the Wet’suwet’en, Natural Resource Department to discuss project development plans;
present project to affected house members:
and initiate discussions leading to a Communications & Engagement Agreement based on the following basic principles;
Assurance the development project will not pose a threat of irreparable environmental impacts;
Assurance the development project will provide positive socio-economic benefits for all Wet’suwet’en;
Assurance the development project will not jeopardize, prejudice, or otherwise compromise Wet’suwet’en title, rights and interests;
Communication, engagement, consultation and accommodation of Wet’suwet’en title, rights, and interests in the development of natural resources on its territories will ensure Wet’suwet’en, the Crown, private sector developers, and all other Canadians will benefit from acceptable, equitable, environmentally responsible development of natural resources within Wet’suwet’en territory.
